American Indian Tribes, like states, are sovereign governments under the Constitution of the United States of America. The Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council is the governing body of the reservation and is one of six bands of Chippewa that make up the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. There are five Tribal Council members in office: the Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and two Members at Large. Enrolled members of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa elect the Tribal Council Officers. Elections are held every two years for half of the official positions.

The Grand Portage Tribal Council provides for the needs of the people with health care, social services, education, jobs, housing, public safety, and more.